MadQuilter

If you only want to use one fabric on the back and you don't want the seam in the middle then sew two lengths of the fabric together with a seam on BOTH SIDES (like a tube). Then you can cut down the MIDDLE of one piece. Your backing will be wide enough and you can center the top on the piece withoug worry of a folded seam.

DawnFurlong

Welcome from N. Texas! I pieced my first quilt back in December of last year. I had pieces left over from the front of the quilt, and didn't want to have to go out and buy more fabric. I was worried about it looking too messy, or like I was lazy and just slapped fabrics together. It is just squares of various sizes, I did try to balance it out somewhat with placement (rectangles around the edges with bigger blocks in the middle). I really liked it after I completed it and will definitely feel free to piece my backs again. I'll have to see if I can get a picture and add it.

Good luck with finishing your quilt! You'll have to post a picture when you are finished.

patchsamkim

Pieced backings are a great way to go...sometimes called "back art"...you can get really creative and use up fabrics in really unique ways. I have seen some great pieced backs for quilts and have done some myself. You can do really simple ones, or get quite elaborate in your piecing for your backs. Have fun!

tjradj

I piece my backing all the time. The only time I consider what way the seam goes is if I plan to longarm it. If the seam goes side to side it's easier for me to keep the tension even. If the seam goes top to bottom, it tightens up the quilt in the middle where the bulk is and leaves the sides floppy. (as it rolls up on the rollers) But, if I'm tabletop quilting it , then anything goes.

caspharm

That is the only option if your quilt is bigger than your yardage. There are many websites that have ways to piece your backing. Have fun with it.

DebbieG

Remember, there are no quilt police, with that said.... Sure you can piece your back, I have done it but I do not like to do it. I purchase 108-110 inch material at my LQS or order it from Keepsake Quilting and use that. I have numerous Longarmers tell me they prefer that, but of course do the pieced backs too. I like the looks of some pieced backs with extra fabric and blocks in it but I'm no good at math and it takes that to figure out where to place that stuff.

IdahoSandy

When I don't have enough material to quilt the back, I use one of the other fabrics in the quilt or buy a color that would go with it. Measure/cut what extra you are going to need, then cut this section in two parts and sew it to the backing on each side.

Rubesgirl

I just pieced a back by adding wide borders all the way around. My center is what I originally planned to use for the back but I didn't buy enough. It turned out really nice, so just another thought. :-)

Delta

Welcome from Waco Texas. YES piece the back. I do it all the time. and mostly because I just don't want a plain backing. sometimes I use some of the leftovers from the front and just add then to the backing to make it the correct size. good luck

rrhaigh

This is a great method. Thank you for sharing the link!